US Army to Replace M-113 Tracked Armored Vehicles Sent to Ukraine with Next-Generation AMPV Combat Vehicles.

To replace the M113 tracked armored vehicles being sent to Ukraine, the U.S. Army plans to follow a one-to-one replacement strategy, substituting the older M-113s with next-generation Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs). The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced this significant commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts at the beginning of January 2025, revealing that 900 M-113 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and 300 armored medical treatment vehicles will be transferred to Ukraine. This donation is part of an ongoing U.S. effort to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities in its conflict with Russia. However, this transfer places additional pressure on the U.S. Army’s own modernization goals, specifically the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle program, as the Army works to replace the older M-113s with its next-generation AMPV platforms.
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In March 2023, The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, received the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), signifying the completion of the U.S. Army's First Unit Equipped for the platform. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The vehicles being pledged to Ukraine include 900 M-113 APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers), which have been a cornerstone of mechanized infantry for over six decades. These vehicles will provide critical mobility and protection for Ukraine’s forces, strengthening its mechanized infantry and medical evacuation capabilities. Many of the M-113s are expected to be older variants, reflecting their long-standing service with the U.S. military and its allies. Additionally, the package includes 300 armored medical treatment vehicles, likely variants of the M-113, which will enhance Ukraine's medical evacuation (CASEVAC) and field treatment capacities—an essential component of modern military operations. This move reflects a deepening commitment by the U.S. to support Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian invasion, though it also presents a challenge to the Army’s own armored vehicle fleet modernization.

In response to the transfer, the U.S. Army has committed to replacing each of the 900 M-113s sent to Ukraine with new AMPVs (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles), a platform designed to provide superior mobility, protection, and survivability for U.S. forces in combat. The AMPV is part of a broader effort to modernize the Army’s armored vehicle fleet and to replace legacy systems like the M-113 with more advanced, capable platforms. The AMPV family includes five distinct variants, each tailored to support different operational roles within Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). These variants include the M1283 General Purpose (GP) variant, designed to support infantry during mounted and dismounted operations; the M1284 Medical Evacuation (ME) variant, which is equipped for CASEVAC operations; the M1285 Medical Treatment (MT) variant, a mobile surgery suite; the M1286 Mission Command (MCmd) variant, which enhances command and control capabilities; and the M1287 Mortar Carrier (MC) variant, which provides immediate mortar fire support. Each variant is engineered to offer increased operational flexibility, improved protection, and better survivability, ensuring U.S. forces are better equipped for the modern battlefield.

However, replacing 900 M-113s with AMPVs presents several challenges for the U.S. Army. The AMPV program, which aims to procure a total of 2,897 units, has faced production delays and cost overruns in the past. A 2020 report highlighted struggles with meeting the Army's production targets while keeping per-vehicle costs within budget. With the additional demand for AMPVs to replace the M-113s sent to Ukraine, the Army’s production timeline will likely need to be accelerated, potentially straining an already tight schedule. This could result in further delays in fulfilling existing requirements for both Active Duty and National Guard units, which depend on the AMPV for modernization and readiness.

The National Guard, in particular, could face significant challenges. Many of the M-113s being transferred are in use by National Guard Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), and sending these vehicles abroad could leave gaps in the Guard's vehicle inventory. This situation could affect operational readiness, as the Army National Guard plays a vital role in both domestic defense and overseas deployments. The Army will need to quickly backfill National Guard units with AMPVs, which may be difficult given the already stretched production schedule.

Given the potential impacts on Army readiness, it is highly likely that Congress will scrutinize the AMPV program. Lawmakers are expected to raise concerns about the effects of the M-113 transfers on the Army’s ability to meet its operational requirements, particularly regarding the National Guard’s readiness. If the production of AMPVs is delayed or the per-vehicle costs rise due to the increased demand, there may be questions about the sustainability of the Army’s modernization efforts. Congressional oversight could lead to hearings or policy discussions to assess whether the Army’s one-to-one replacement strategy is feasible in the long term.

The decision to transfer 900 M-113s and 300 armored medical vehicles to Ukraine demonstrates the U.S.’s ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. While these vehicles will provide much-needed resources for Ukraine’s defense, the impact on the Army’s modernization efforts cannot be overlooked. As the U.S. Army moves forward with replacing these vehicles with AMPVs, the balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense needs and maintaining U.S. military readiness will be critical. The Army will need to manage the production timeline carefully, ensure that costs remain manageable, and mitigate any disruptions to the National Guard’s operational capabilities.

The U.S. Army’s plan to replace M-113s sent to Ukraine with AMPVs represents a significant step in both U.S. security assistance and military modernization. However, this move carries substantial implications for the Army’s production schedule, costs, and readiness, particularly within the National Guard. As these challenges unfold, Congress will likely play a key role in ensuring that U.S. defense capabilities are not compromised while supporting allies abroad. The Army’s ability to navigate these issues will determine whether this strategy is sustainable in the long term, balancing modernization with readiness and international commitments.